This Pine Tree banner was flown by the American Navy at
its birth. As the first American War vessels, a pair
of floating batteries, were deployed against the British
in Boston Bay, this was the flag they raised. The Pine
Tree had become a strong yet simple symbol of New England
and the Colonies, and was well likely by Colonials, including
General Washington. The words “An Appeal to Heaven,” are
in reference to a resolution by the Provincial Congress of
Massachusetts, which states, “Appealing to Heaven for
the justice of our cause, we determine to die or be free.”